Turkey

Turkey is the successor state to the Ottoman Empire and is a democratic, secular, unitary, constitutional republic. It is also rich in culture with an ancient and historical heritage. It contains the remnants of Constantinople and the ruins of Christendom's ancient churches such as Ephesus. I have taken two trips to Turkey and its archaeological sites in 2007 and 2009.

Ancient doorways.
The Ancient Library of Celsus in Ephesus. The building is important as one of few remaining examples of an ancient Roman-influenced library. Built in honor of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus (completed in 135 AD) by Celsus’ son, Gaius Julius Aquila (consul, 110 AD). The library was built to store 12,000 scrolls and to serve as a monumental tomb for Celsus.
Near the ancient house of Mary, the mother of Jesus is a prayer wall. Hundreds of tourists from around the world place prayer cards on this wall every day.
The main avenue of the ancient city of Ephesus is now a major tourist attraction.